What would you guys recommend? I have a DHT 27 ton for the big rounds but generally don't take it with me on scrounges. I have used a buddies X25 on some bigger 16" frozen rounds and it worked great so it got me thinking! Which is the better tool to break up the 16"-20"+ diameter rounds so they can be heaved into the truck easier? I may also use it for some random splitting from time to time just for fun. I'm leaning towards the X27 but if the isocore is better for the big rounds and can still be used for the fun splitting then I'm torn. What if I need to bang some wedges through the rounds? Is the x27 designed for some light use of that? Or is that strictly a job for the isocore?
Anything that is not easy splitting, you will want the isocore and your chain saw along. If it fights back on the isocore it is time to make some noodles.
I have the isocore maul and have loved it on some 28"+ red oak. Splits super easy and doesn't shock your shoulders. I have a shoulder going downhill and it made a huge difference. Well worth the money. I believe I paid $62 at tractor supply Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Should be able to split 16"-20" no problem with the x27 plus you can swing it all day. I don't have the ISO core YET, it's on my wish list, but I could sure use it for the 30 inchers!
Both for sure. I use the IsoCore for busting them in half, then I switch to the X27 to quarter them. I have two bad shoulders, and a bad back as well. I can swing the X27 all day, but the IsoCore makes me pay.
I just got the iso core, trying it side by side with the X27, I'm much more likely to reach for the X27. Based on the results of my testing, and the effects on me of swinging the maul vs axe. I really couldn't see much difference in the splitting action, but it requires much more effort and hand movement for the maul. My X27 is 5 years old now, and the edge isn't perfect either
I bought a Isocore for just this reason, bustin up rounds to load in the truck. If the wood is too tough to break with just the maul then make a 3-4" deep cut with your saw, then see if it will pop with a maul dropped into the kerf. If not, then drop a wedge in the kerf and use the sledgehammer side of the Isocore to finish the deed
The Isocore isnt my go to, but I will go back and forth as needed. I definitely feel it later when I swing the maul for a while! If Im working something stubborn that I cant get the X27 to easily pop open, I will reach for the maul to bust it in half, then put it back down and use the axe to finish it off, it usually seems to break apart much easier once its initially split.
I ordered an isocore Friday on Amazon after reading this forum. It came yesterday much to my surprise. After splitting for years with a single bit axe, I must say this thing works. 2o-22 inch long 12 inch rounds of beech and maple pop right apart. Still plan to use my American Splitter, but this thing works well and is great exercise.
I have a not so great right shoulder, so im done with splitting mauls. Its the x27, my old double bit ax that belonged to grandpa, or noodle city.
I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders, had em for well over 10 years, so its nothing good. Surprisingly, the maul doesnt bother me like I figured it would. The only problem is the fatigue on my body from swinging it repeatedly. Wish I could say the same about my hands though, chopping and handling firewood really aggravates them. Makes me nervous to think what they will be like in another 20 years.
Swung the Isocore yesterday for the first time. It certainly has more whack than the x27, but I can swing the smaller axe longer and quicker. I like having both.
You can definitely get more zip into your swing with the X27. You can swing the maul longer each time you use it Ive found.
